Tenebrae on April 1, 2015 was the opening of the Holy Week services for the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Wednesday April 1 was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine, temperatures in the low 60’s, warming up from earlier in the weekend on Palm Sunday when it was cool and windy.
Wed. April 1 was also Village Dinner with folks served Swai fish (compliments of Andrea), potatoes (Betty), corn meal muffins (Cookie) and a chocolate dessert (Eunice. Wonderful food enjoyed by all with many takeouts. This ministry has build connections within both the church and community.
We had 18 at Tenebrae at 7pm which was a good turnout, though two less than last year. This is an unusual service with its own Liturgy. There is no music – the readings carry the service. And it’s not from the traditional Gospel readings. The readings range from Lamentations in the Old Testament to commentary from St Augustine, and at last a reading from Hebrews, in which the theology of God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ our great high priest is presented for our consideration. The Psalms dominate the service. 14 candles are lit and extinguished gradually throughout the service until one is left. This service makes use of the power of light and sound to emphasize the darkness of death. The user of a loud sound denotes the events of Good Friday. The service ends on a note of hope. One candle remains, a solitary light in the darkness for resurrection into which we depart.
The bulletin for the service is here which shows the readings
Tenebrae , April 1, 2015 (full size gallery)